What is it about winter that puts your skin in a general state of Meh? Well, at least that’s what happens to my skin, because in a span of a few very short weeks I go from glowing summer skin to pasty, flaky and tired-looking during winter! Good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way, through trial and error I’ve found that although skin definitely needs a bit more love and attention during colder months, with a few right products you can have that glow back and then some! And so, I’ll take this opportunity to talk about some of the products I swear by to get me back into fighting shape!
Scrub, scrub, scrub and then scrub some more! But be gentle:) A good scrub helps to slouch away dead skin yet doesn’t strip it of moisture completely. This one from Brooklyn Botany is almond oil based, so it’s super moisturizing, yet really effective in terms of improving texture and tone. Normally, I use it once a week all over the body. The trick is to start at the bottom and make your way up (this really helps with circulation), another suggestion, let it sit on your skin for about a minute or two before washing it off, the almond oil really does miracles to moisturize dry skin!
Same philosophy can be applied to the face. This one is my current favorite. Aside from the fact that I swear by honey-based skin care products in general (home-made honey mask makes my skin bounce back from anything in 10 minutes flat), this scrub from Mizon is really gentle yet super effective. If not unlike myself you suffer from dry, patchy skin during winter months, I highly recommend you try it!
Coffee Scrubs (currently loving this one & this one) or emergency body care as I like to call them! The trick to making them really effective is as follows. Get into the shower and stand under warm/hot water for about five minutes (normally I use this time to wash my hair), the hot water helps to open up pores and to prep your skin for the scrub. Next, turn the water off and let your skin air dry for about a minute. Once your skin is more or less on the dry side, apply the scrub from feet up, in circular motion, paying special attention to particularly dry areas (for me it’s usually feet, knees and elbows), once you are done, let the scrub sit on your skin for a few minutes. Coffee helps to improve circulation and tone of the skin. Now, I know it’s a process, but it works and your skin will thank you for it, I promise!
Moisture is key! When my skin is really dry Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil is what helps bring it back! If I’m looking to pamper my skin some more, I’ll follow with Moroccanoil Body Shimmering Dry Oil. Love it because it’s fast absorbing, uber moisturizing and adds that very pretty summery glow, something I can definitely use during winter. Another Josie Maran product I love is the tanning oil, unlike other tanning products that can actually dry your skin, this one is really moisturizing and the color is very natural looking. Love!
As much as I love matte lipsticks, I find that a bit of shimmer or sparkle helps to liven up the face, which is why come fall/winter, I often opt for lip products with a bit of glow. Love these two particular ones – Dior Lip Glow to the Max Hydrating Color Reviver Lip Balm in Pink Glow (a very pretty soft shade of pink) & Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick in #92, a very pretty caramel nude with just the right amount of shimmer!
The right primer is a game changer, I’m sure you heard it before, but I’ve only recently realized just how true this statement is! When my skin looks a bit tired, or just lackluster, I add a bit of Tom Ford Illuminating Primer under my foundation and the result is just amazing. The effect is very natural, your skin simply looks brighter, healthier and lit from within. Another secret weapon is the Skin Illuminating Powder Duo, a bit of bronzer under the cheek bones a bit of highlighter on the bridge of the nose and top of the cheeks and you’re golden, literally! Yet, once again, the result is very natural, meaning that it looks great in real life and on camera.
MIZON Honey Black Sugar Scrub | Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Coffee Scrub | Brooklyn Botany Arabica Coffee Scrub and Himalayan Salt Body Scrub | Belula Premium Dry Brushing Body Brush Set | Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter and Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil | Moroccan Oil Shimmering Body Oil – Instant Radiance | Dior Lip Glow to the Max Hydrating Color Reviver Lip Balm | Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick | Tom Ford Illuminating Primer, Skin Illuminating Powder Duo, Foundation Brush, and Shade and Illuminate Brush